Timothy Durkee, who has been practicing obstetrics for 16 years says its vital for pregnant women to exercise.

According to a recent study by the University of Montreal, pregnant women who hit the gym can increase their unborn baby’s brain activity.

“Their cognitive function, their memory, their ability to learn all go up when their active exercisers, but it also may cross the placenta and stimulate the fetal brain,” said Dr. Durkee.

Half of the 60 women in the study were given exercise routines, while the other 30 did nothing. Researchers found babies had more developed brains when the mother worked out.

“All the health benefits you get as a person and that your baby gets from breast feeding, it’s the same with working out. You’re getting benefits, but your baby is getting benefits as well,” said pregnant mom, Kimberlee Beaman.

Kimberlee Beaman is due in less than a week. The mother of three says she’s worked out more in this pregnancy than ever before and has never felt better. “I just feel so much stronger, I recommend it to every pregnant woman.”

Experts recommend lifting no more than 20 pounds while you’re pregnant.

Beaman’s husband Brett owns right time fitness and has trained several pregnant clients he says checking your heart rate is priority.

“Get a heart rate monitor that lets you keep it under 150 unless your doctor says something else,” said Beaman.

Beaman says he’s noticed all the women he’s trained have had easier pregnancies.

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